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3.1 AVERAGE
3.1 AVERAGE
** I received an advance reader copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **
(My son read and reviewed this book.)
This book was a fun read that had engaging characters. Arian, the main character, has a very tough enemy to face. This enemy is a religious sect which commands that all people either follow their doctrines or else. The main character goes on a perilous quest to find something that will allow her to fight this sect. She meets and befriends a variety of people along the way. It was great fun following Arian on her journey and watching as she expanded her horizons and met others who may be able to help defeat the evil sect. I definitely plan to continue this series.
(My son read and reviewed this book.)
This book was a fun read that had engaging characters. Arian, the main character, has a very tough enemy to face. This enemy is a religious sect which commands that all people either follow their doctrines or else. The main character goes on a perilous quest to find something that will allow her to fight this sect. She meets and befriends a variety of people along the way. It was great fun following Arian on her journey and watching as she expanded her horizons and met others who may be able to help defeat the evil sect. I definitely plan to continue this series.
3.5/5 i think. I have to process this one before I give it a full review. Intial thoughts
Love: The political message. I loved the breaking of slave chains
Liked: Arian, Sinnia, Wafa. The writing style but there were repetitive thoughts from characters that was unnecessary. Like i get you love each other already.
Meh: The men. I was indifference about the love story. The story lagged for me but I have a short attention span for epics.
Didn't like : Where the story line seems to be going with Sinnia. She is perceived as less desirable and her sexuality is juxtaposition ro Arian chastity. Which bugged me as Sinnia is Black compared to the Lighter Arian. Is this a commentary on colorism or a trope. Hopefully it will be discuss more in the next book. I want a Sinnia backstory.
I will read the future books cause I mad at that cliffhanger and I want to know everything.
Love: The political message. I loved the breaking of slave chains
Liked: Arian, Sinnia, Wafa. The writing style but there were repetitive thoughts from characters that was unnecessary. Like i get you love each other already.
Meh: The men. I was indifference about the love story. The story lagged for me but I have a short attention span for epics.
Didn't like : Where the story line seems to be going with Sinnia. She is perceived as less desirable and her sexuality is juxtaposition ro Arian chastity. Which bugged me as Sinnia is Black compared to the Lighter Arian. Is this a commentary on colorism or a trope. Hopefully it will be discuss more in the next book. I want a Sinnia backstory.
I will read the future books cause I mad at that cliffhanger and I want to know everything.
This was painful, from beginning to end. The pacing is jarring, the world building is plodding, the lead is bland as cardboard, and the main love interest is an indescribable asshole. I had to make myself finish it. Just don’t waste your money.
Beginning of a series that won't be read. It's a fantasy version of Central Asia with a fantasy version of Islam focused on illiteracy and misogyny. Everything is standard and dull. Nothing of interest, nothing unique, and story telling too simplistic to make that standard tale even vaguely interesting.
I received this book as an uncorrected proof from a Goodreads giveaway.
I am a sucker for a book with an interesting and clever magic system. The use of the claim as a source of power was intriguing. I wish I could have had a little more detail on how exactly it works with those who are able to use it. I liked the three main characters- Arian, Sinnia, and Wafa (Sinnia being my favorite). All were determined and strong in their own ways standing up for what and/or who they believed in despite challenges. The plot felt slow moving at times. I found the romance between Arian and Daniyar obnoxious. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and would read the next installment in the series.
I am a sucker for a book with an interesting and clever magic system. The use of the claim as a source of power was intriguing. I wish I could have had a little more detail on how exactly it works with those who are able to use it. I liked the three main characters- Arian, Sinnia, and Wafa (Sinnia being my favorite). All were determined and strong in their own ways standing up for what and/or who they believed in despite challenges. The plot felt slow moving at times. I found the romance between Arian and Daniyar obnoxious. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and would read the next installment in the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dnf. terrible writing. I'll give anything 50 pages and i spent all 50 of them hoping it would get better, as it has potential, but it didn't.
I really liked the concept of the world and the main characters... but the execution ended up not working for me. We just got dropped in the middle of everything and it felt jarring. The Council of Hira, for example... the main woman seeming sketchy... but as the reader we didn't see her before so we were just being TOLD that she was different and that we should be sketched out by her.
The Audacy (a task), The All Ways (holy place of fountains), the city of Task End, The Assimilate (interpretation of a holy book), The Immolan (religious leader of Taliban stand-in), The Talisman (Taliban stand-in), the Claim (stand-in for Koran)- the clunky. Combine this with a great deal of pining after beautiful men who are either hostile or sleazy or both, and I am DNFing.